Rayner returns to Housing Secretary role – Mortgage Strategy
Angela Rayner has been appointed as Housing Secretary in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet.
For Rayner it is a return to a role she held before resigning last year over a tax matter related to a property transaction.
As Housing Secretary, Rayner played a key role in implementing the Renters’ Rights Act.
Her appointment follows Steve Reed’s departure from the Housing Secretary role on 20 July. Reed was seen as a Starmer ‘loyalist’ and like David Lammy and Rachel Reeves, will now sit on the backbenches.
In his two-page letter to new prime minister Burnham, Reed said: “I am disappointed to be leaving government now, I wish your new team every success.”
Reed, who was appointed Housing Secretary in September 2025, served less than a year in the role.
Since the start of 2020, the UK has had seven people serve as Housing Secretary – and that is not counting Rayner’s return to the role.
The cabinet position of Housing Secretary is seen as a key appointment given Prime Minister Burnham has placed housebuilding high on his agenda.
In his speech outside Number 10 on his first day on office, he reiterated the promise to build more council homes and to oversee the biggest new house building programme since the post-war period.
Working under Rayner, Matthew Pennycook is to continue in his role as as Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
